2 killed in Odisha group clash

Two persons were killed and another seriously injured during a violent group clash at Dhenkisala village under Sheragada police limits in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Monday, police said.

The two who were killed have been identified as Sudhir Natua (32) of Gobindapur village and Sanjay Swain (30) of Dhanantara village.

Local sources said the clash was the result of an old rivalry between two groups over hooch trade and contracts.

According to the sources the deceased were attacked while trying to flee after opening fire on the rival group and injuring a person.

Both were hacked to death.

The deceased Sudhir had 20 criminal cases pending against him while the criminal record of Sanjay was under verification, police sources said.

The injured person, who has sustained bullet injuries, has been admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital here. He hails from Dhenkisala village and his condition was stated to be serious, sources said.

Armed policemen have been deployed in the village in view of the tension following the violent incident.